Brutalist Sculptural Ceramic Vase by Accolay — Burgundy, France, c.1 950s

Description

A striking sculptural ceramic vase produced by the Accolay pottery workshop in Burgundy during the 1950s. Founded in 1945 by four former students of Alexandre Kostanda, the Accolay collective became one of the most distinctive voices in post-war French ceramics, celebrated for its bold forms and expressive glazes. This piece is defined by its strong architectural silhouette. Rising from a narrow base, the form expands into a dramatic triangular rim punctuated by a carved handle that creates a striking negative space.

The interplay between mass and void gives the vase a distinctly Brutalist character, balancing weight, geometry and sculptural presence. The surface is finished in a richly textured crackle glaze in tones of sand, ochre and deep brown. The mineral-like glaze and natural fissured pattern evoke weathered stone, lending the piece an almost geological character that shifts subtly with light. Weighing approximately 2 kilograms, the vase has a substantial presence and works beautifully as a sculptural object on its own or with a few stems. Signed to the base. Height: 20.5 cm Width: 27 cm Opening diameter: 6 cm Base diameter: 9.5 cm